For nearly a decade, our Inside Insight research has tracked the evolving landscape of internal communications. The 2019 edition was ready for publication when Covid-19 struck, rendering our findings outdated. This unexpected turn of events provided a unique opportunity to assess the pandemic’s impact on internal communications through a follow-up survey conducted in late 2020.
The Challenges of 2020
The year 2020 was unprecedented for internal communications, marked by the rapid shift to remote work and the need to maintain employee engagement from afar. Internal communicators faced the task of establishing new digital channels and ensuring seamless remote operations. This period highlighted the critical role of internal communications, gaining newfound recognition from senior leaders who began to see its importance within organisations.
Mental Health & Diversity
Beyond the pandemic, internal communicators also tackled significant issues such as mental health and diversity. They were responsible for providing employees with essential mental health resources and facilitating discussions on diversity and inclusion. Employees increasingly demanded transparency and action from their organisations on these fronts, challenging communicators to deliver authentic and effective messaging.
The Evolving Role of Internal Communications
The findings from our research illustrate how swiftly internal communications adapted to new challenges. The pandemic served as a catalyst, bringing the function into the spotlight and highlighting its value to senior business leaders. Historically overlooked and underfunded, internal communications began to receive the recognition it deserved.
As we moved into 2021, the internal communications landscape continued to evolve. We anticipate ongoing positive developments, with increased recognition, funding, and understanding of the function’s critical role in organisational success.
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